Butts Band
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Founder | John Densmore, Robby Krieger |
| Defunct | 1975 |
| Headquarters | London, California , United Kingdom, United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Number of employees | Band members |
Butts Band was a British-American ensemble created by former Doors members John Densmore and Robby Krieger, active between 1973 and 1975. They issued two albums, with varying lineups aside from Krieger and Densmore.[1]
History
Following the death of lead vocalist Jim Morrison in July 1971, the remaining members of The Doors sought a new frontman. They produced two albums—Other Voices in 1971 and Full Circle in 1972—with vocals shared by Ray Manzarek and Krieger.[2] Unable to secure a suitable American singer, the group relocated to London in 1973, where they auditioned British vocalists such as Howard Werth, Kevin Coyne, and Jess Roden.
Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman preferred Werth as Morrison's successor, imagining a fusion between Werth and the Doors. Nevertheless, the surviving Doors members opted not to add a new vocalist and ultimately dissolved the band. With Manzarek returning to Los Angeles, Krieger and Densmore established Butts Band alongside Roden, Phil Chen, and Roy Davies.[3]
Under contract with Blue Thumb Records, they recorded their first album with longtime Doors engineer and co-producer Bruce Botnick. Recording sessions spanned three weeks at London's Olympic Studios and another three weeks in Kingston, Jamaica. The self-titled debut was released in 1973.[3] Krieger described this work as "heart music" and "up music" that encourages dancing.
Following performances on The Midnight Special and the Old Grey Whistle Test, logistical difficulties arose due to members being based both in California and London, prompting a change in personnel. The British musicians were replaced by Los Angeles-based artists: Michael Stull (guitar/piano), Alex Richman (keyboards), Karl Rucker (bass), Bobbi Hall (congas), and drummer Mike Berkowitz.[3] This revamped lineup produced the album Hear and Now in 1975.[3]
After releasing their second album, Butts Band disbanded, with Krieger and Densmore focusing on solo careers.[3] In 1978, the three remaining Doors members reunited to create An American Prayer.[4]
Previous Members
- John Densmore – drums (1973–1975)
- Robby Krieger – lead guitar (1973–1975)
- Phil Chen – bass and rhythm guitar (1973–1974; passed away 2021)
- Roy Davies – keyboards and synthesizers (1973–1974; deceased 1986)
- Jess Roden – vocals and rhythm guitar (1973–1974)
- Mick Weaver – organ (1973–1974)
- Mike Berkowitz – drums (1974–1975)
- Alex Richman – keyboards and vocals (1974–1975)
- Karl Rucker – bass (1974–1975)
- Michael Stull – vocals, rhythm guitar, piano (1974–1975; died 2002)
- David Paul Campbell – keyboards and vocals (1975)
Albums
- Butts Band (1973)
- Hear and Now (1975)
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).